The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-12-08

resent the probable cost of such improvements, II
| approved by congress.
The rep.rts says Notifications, public works and
grounds on the division of the Atlantic and every
where need repairs and construction. On the
| entire Atlantic and Gulf coast line of 2S7e miles
and the northern frontier of $50 miles, the sale
obsolete, and of very low power. Even the few
seryiceaole riaed guns that are mounted are but
| little value. Some of them are mounted on old
carriages, and all are without adequate protection
The secretary r3fers To General SchOfeld's reco-
mendau n that at least cne-eighth inch guns and
mortars be r. rnished to each artillery post with
view 10 the Improvement of artillery instruction.
| he says, however, that the department Ia
unable to comply with the request as we have
no guns suitable for such target practice and CHI
meal instruction. This division is garrsOned mainly
oy artillery, fourffths of the officers and men of
that arm being stationed within its limits.
In no branch of the service is technical instruc-
uon and daily experiments and practice in the use
| OF Its weapons more demanded than in the artil-
iery 1t is earnestly hoped that, If guns canoot be
mad for the Notifications, appropriations can be
made for the manufacture of enough of guns TO
supply the artillery, and ft them for any emer-
gency..
Touching upon Geronimo and his fellow cap
tives, now confined at Fort Pickens and Mount
Vernon barra ke the report Gays they are con-
tented, perform their work with alscrity and thus
far their conduct has been excellent. At this time
1t is difficult matter to ind for them permanent
home for many reasons.
1t is impossible to return them to Arizona. I'm
dian Territory, and in the northern reservations
the climate 10 too cold for them. Pending final
decision they can remain where they are in COM
fort and safety.
In the division of the Missouri during the past
year, il has been necessary to patrol the Oklahoma
country, in Indian Territory, to keep out intru-
ders, and to protect Indian reservations. A con.
siderable body of troops has been constantly en-
gagged in this duty, and there havs been no serious
disturbances.
A brief history is included In the report of the
lfv at in Ia in IN
between the state authorities and Colorow's band
of Utes, and it is said some efforts should certainly
be made for restoration of their property to the
Indians.
The secretary strongly approves of the recon-
mendation contained in General Sheridan report,
touching the extension of all possible aid by the
general government to the national guard OF the
different states, and suggesting syeem of national
encampment for state militia at the entire expense
of the government.
Attention is called to the fact, that the coast is
destitute of Notifications and armament of every
description, while San Francisco is with ut a
single gun that can be fired with safety, with the
p esent charges of powder, and modern pro-
jectiles.
Favorable Endorsement is already given to the
lieutenant generals recommendation, that the
present strength of the army be increased by O. 90
men, and particular attention Is called to the i'm
portance of an increase of the artillery arm of
the service, and certain changes in thy
present organization of artillery regi-
ments' Schools of instruction, the secretary
says, anoru aumlraDle pOSt-Srduuate COURSES OF
study and 1t will be necessary, as 1t is desirable,
that every officer should take bis course OF study,
in order that he may be fully equipped for his
duty. He trusts that the bill introduced in the
ate at the last session, requiring examination of
Off for promotion, may be passed by congress.
He thinks that permanently disabled officers should
be at retired, and hopes congress will author
ize sufficient increase of the retired list to &C.
complish the purpose.
An illustrated catalogue of an army medical
museum, he Gays, would be of great science. A
large portion of it is already prepared, and
authority from congress to publish it is earnestly
requested.
The secretary suggests that number of court
martial trials be much reduced If provisions be
made for the punishment of minor 0ffenses with
out summonilg court martisls, as indicated in the
annual report of 1856.
The report recommends arevision of the articles
of war, which have remained substantially unal-
tered here, while in England and elsewhere, mill
tary codes have been modified in accordance with
the requirements of modern times.
The secretary also recommends legislation regu-
lating and making uniform punishments that may
be inflicted by courtmartials, defining the applica-
ton of the statute of limitation in cases of desert
ers and fixing he liability of minors to military
jurisdiction after enlistment.